Honda Phuket Bt50m renovation complete

PHUKET: Anticipating continued strength in local auto sales, Honda of Phuket has invested some 50 million baht to renovate its dealership on Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town.

The new facility’s service bays enable maintenance of up to 40 vehicles per day.

Montri Hongyok, managing director of Anuphas Wiwitgarn Co Ltd, said: “Renovation of the showroom and service center are complete after investment of 50 million baht. The showroom is now larger and can conveniently display up to five vehicles, while the increased capacity at our service center allows maintenance and repair of 40 cars per day.”

The company, authorized dealer for Honda cars in Phuket and Phang Nga, expects sales to top 1,600 cars from its three dealerships.

Anuphas Wiwitgarn Co Ltd also operates a large showroom on Chao Fa West Road in Wichit and a third dealership in Phang Nga’s Takua Thung District, just across the Sarasin Bridge from Phuket.

“The car market in Phuket remains strong. Some 700 to 800 new cars are registered each month here, roughly 180 of which are Hondas. We sold more than 1,000 cars during the first six months of this year, and our target for the year is 1,600,” Mr Monti said.

Sales are chiefly of smaller models like the Jazz, City and CRV.

The stumbling economy, however, has resulted in fewer car sales overall in Thailand, Mr Montri said.

This has forced leading car makers “to reduce investment in line with the shrinking market,” he added.

To ensure customer satisfaction in the increasingly competitive market, Mr Montri said Honda Phuket has implemented a booking system whereby those needing service can telephone the service center, which then appoints a date and time for repairs.

“Our new facilities are much more modern,” he explained. “The showroom has been redesigned to make customers feel at home. We’ve installed a Tiny Coffee branch, a reading area, cable TV, Internet and a children’s play area. We’ve also created an ‘Accessories Corner’ so that customers can inspect custom parts close up.”

The Honda dealerships are but one of the Hongyok clan’s many business interests on the island, which include investment in property development, hospitals, Shell petrol stations, coffee shops, the 1,600-rai Chao Fah City in Wichit, and the Phuket Country Club golf course in Kathu.

They also operate Ford and Mazda car dealerships on the island.

— Kom Chad Luek